Dreads, beach and sun...

Sunny days are coming, we can already smell churros, sun lotion, and fragrances of sea breeze.
We can't wait to be there and many of you take advantages of summer holidays for hair eccentricities.  And a lot of you ask me if synthetic dreadlocks require maintenance or special care at the beach.

Some advices are thus necessary, before leaving for adventure in bathing suit, armed with a pair of flip-flops and a flower patterned beach umbrella.

Sand and salted water are not incompatible with a mop of dreads, there is not any specific upkeep, only some useful tips to spend great holidays without worrying about your dreads ! Situations below are exaggerated on purpose, so that you can be ready to face everything but don't worry and be happy, there is usually no problem at all, you can leave peaceful ! 

Summertime, and the livin' is easy...

... but be careful though when you lay down on the sand. If your dreads are loose and wet, as on natural hair, some tiny bits of sand or shells may slip in. And shaking your head won't be enough to remove it : your braids are tight and could hold back all that dust.

You must rinse carefully with freshwater, and before the next day ! Otherwise beware of irritations or itching, especially if your scalp is sensitive. A too superficial or rough rinsing could spoil your holidays and advance the removal of your dreads.

It may also occur that your rubber bands (bought in a mall or installed by a non-professional), be thin and breakable, that they may be damaged faster in case of long baths in salted water. Don't hesitate to leave with a bag of bands, not very cumbersome and useful to strengthen the ties if needed.

The best thing to do: on the beach as in water, the best is to style your hair in a high bun, and to wrap a light scarf around, which won't stop you dreads from being wet or your head from being freshened, but will filter salt, sand and all small impurities that could slide into your hair. Even if it doesn't seem to be windy, don't forget there is always a slight breeze and that sand always finds its path to unpleasant places !
Discover how to style your dreads with a video collection on our website.

Lazing on a sunny afternoon, in a summertime...

... responsibly because though we love the sun, it could be the arch enemy of your skin and your hair when prolonged exposure. It might modify your pH, which favours the appearance of dandruffs and damages roots.

Don't be late to remove your dreads after a big beach session like everyday for two weeks. Even without dreads, hair is often weaken and dried out after suffering from sun, salt and sand. And with your braids wrapped around dreads, your hair deserves to be untangled, a good shampoo and probably a nourishing mask or for dry hair. You will be able to install them again after some care and at least one week break.

You can find protection sprays and conditioners you can use on your roots (especially on front because the rest of your hair will be protected from the sun thanks to your mass of dreads), in order to nourish and protect them from external aggressions. Give priority to a product sold in pharmacy, with fluid texture and easy to rinse.

This summer I swam in the ocean and I swam in a swimming pool... 

... salt my wounds, chlorine my eyes, as well as my hair which didn't appreciate at all ! Like into the sea, you will have to rinse thoroughly. First, chlorine is a chemical element, which not only stinks, it also kills thousands of bacteria and disinfects pools, it is not good for us either.

Chlorine may, on bleached hair (even without dreads), create the alien syndrome : honourable women have already been seen with green reflections after a long bath in a pool. Yes they have. It is slight and may be rectified at a hairdresser's, but it can be avoided : you can find large swimming caps  (dread shaped), don't hesitate to buy one in a sport store or on line, on a specialized site.

If you don't plan to splash around in a public pool (where caps must often be worn), you can simply like into the sea, make a high bun and spray your roots with a care made from oils, or directly with pure oil which will protect your hair from chlorine (you can find almond or argan oil sprays in malls. Read well the ingredients before buying).

Of course, rinse with freshwater is imperative in order to get rid of pools chemicals, and a shampoo  would be useful to get rid of persistent smell of chlorine.

Well, here were the potential risks and difficulties you may encounter, and their solutions, don't be hesitant to participate with your questions or your answers !

To sum up...

As long as you don't roll your dreads into the sand, they shouldn't be damaged and you shouldn't feel any itching. However, if you can't help burying your head under a layer of wet sand (we won't judge you), remember to rinse your dreads carefully and thoroughly in the closer shower, and to remove them as soon as you're back from holidays in order to provide all care needed.

Now you are ready to go and play like a mermaid (or an octopus ?) with a total peace of mind, and enjoy your holidays !

Titles credit
Summertime - George Gershwin
Sunny afternoon - The Kinks
The swimming song - Loudon Wainwright